Temples: Where Earth And Heaven Intersect – The Profound Teachings Of Elder Bednar
What if there exists a physical place on earth where the divide between our mortal existence and the eternal realm of the divine becomes not just symbolic, but tangibly thin? What if this intersection is not a distant, mystical concept, but a dedicated, sacred house designed for a very specific and profound purpose? This is the heart of a powerful and recurring theme in the teachings of a modern apostolic voice: the temple is where earth and heaven intersect. This declaration, powerfully articulated by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, reframes our understanding of these holy edifices from mere beautiful buildings to the very operational centers of God's work for humanity. It’s a perspective that transforms routine visits into participation in the grand, eternal narrative of salvation.
Elder Bednar’s instruction moves beyond architectural admiration or historical interest. He invites us to see the temple as a cosmic nexus, a place where the laws, powers, and ministrations of heaven are deliberately and systematically brought to bear upon the earth. This intersection is facilitated through sacred covenants and ordinances, which serve as the spiritual wiring that connects mortal hands to divine power. Understanding this principle is fundamental to unlocking a deeper, more meaningful engagement with temple worship. It answers the deep human yearning to bridge the gap between the mundane and the magnificent, offering a clear, doctrinally grounded answer to where and how that connection is made.
This article will delve deeply into Elder Bednar’s teachings on this vital subject. We will explore the theological foundations that support this doctrine, examine the historical and scriptural precedents for such intersections, and discuss the practical, personal implications for how we prepare for and participate in temple worship. By the end, you will not only understand what Elder Bednar teaches but why it matters profoundly for your spiritual journey and how you can more fully experience this sacred intersection in your own life.
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Who is Elder David A. Bednar? A Biography of a Modern Apostle
To fully grasp the significance of his teachings, it is essential to understand the man whom God has called to be a special witness of Jesus Christ and a teacher of deep doctrinal truths. Elder David Allan Bednar has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2004. His path to this calling was marked by a life of dedicated service, rigorous scholarship, and a profound, practical approach to gospel principles.
Before his apostolic calling, Elder Bednar was a respected academic. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in organizational behavior from Brigham Young University. He then pursued doctoral studies at Purdue University, receiving a PhD in business administration with a focus on organizational theory and behavior. His professional career included roles as a professor of management at the University of Arkansas and later at Brigham Young University, where he also served as Dean of the College of Business. This background in systems, processes, and human behavior deeply informs his teaching style—he often explains spiritual concepts with clarity, structure, and real-world applicability.
His service in the Church was extensive and progressive. He served as a bishop, stake president, and area seventy before his call to the apostleship. This hands-on leadership experience across diverse congregations provided him with a grassroots understanding of members' questions, struggles, and spiritual needs. His teachings are frequently characterized by a focus on principle-based learning, encouraging members to understand the "why" behind the "what" of gospel living.
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Personal Details and Bio Data
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Allan Bednar |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Calling | Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (since 2004) |
| Previous Positions | Area Seventy, Stake President, Bishop, BYU College of Business Dean |
| Education | B.S. & M.S. (BYU), Ph.D. (Purdue University) in Business Administration |
| Professional Career | University Professor and Administrator (University of Arkansas, BYU) |
| Family | Married to Susan Kae Robinson; parents of three sons |
| Key Teaching Emphasis | Covenants, Temples, Principle-Based Learning, Discipleship |
Elder Bednar’s unique combination of academic rigor, administrative experience, and apostolic authority makes his teachings on the temple particularly compelling. He doesn't just testify of the temple's importance; he systematically explains its role in God's plan, making complex spiritual realities accessible and actionable.
Theological Foundations: The Temple as a Designed Intersection
The core of Elder Bednar’s teaching is that the temple is not an accident of history or a mere symbolic monument. It is a divinely designed and ordained structure where specific, pre-arranged intersections between the terrestrial and celestial kingdoms occur. This understanding is rooted in fundamental LDS theology about the purpose of creation and the nature of God’s work.
A House of Covenants and Ordinances
The mechanism for the earth-heaven intersection is found in covenants and ordinances. Elder Bednar has taught that covenants are "the foundational elements of the gospel of Jesus Christ" and that the temple is the ultimate house of covenant-making. When we make covenants in the temple—such as the law of obedience, sacrifice, the gospel, and consecration—we are not just promising God our loyalty. We are entering into a binding, two-way contract that activates specific spiritual privileges and responsibilities.
- Ordinances as Channels: Baptism for the dead, for instance, is a quintessential temple ordinance that creates an intersection. A living person performs a physical act (baptism by immersion) on behalf of a deceased ancestor. According to doctrine, this act is recognized and accepted in heaven, allowing the spirit of that ancestor to receive the gospel in the spirit world. The physical act on earth triggers a spiritual reality in heaven. This is a direct, operational intersection.
- Covenants as Power Sources: The covenants we make also bind us to receive divine assistance. As we strive to keep our temple covenants, we invite the ministration of angels, the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and the protective power of God's promises into our daily lives. The "power of godliness" (D&C 84:20) is made manifest in our mortal sphere through our adherence to these celestial contracts initiated in the temple.
A Place of Revelation and Instruction
The temple is also a house of revelation. The very architecture, the symbolic murals and decorations (in older temples), and the quiet, sacred atmosphere are designed to facilitate personal revelation. Elder Bednar has emphasized that the Spirit of the Lord can be more readily accessed in the temple because it is consecrated and set apart from the world's noise and distractions. Here, the "still, small voice" can be heard more clearly. This is an intersection of heavenly communication with earthly perception. We bring our questions, concerns, and decisions to this sacred space, and through the Holy Ghost, we can receive answers, insights, and peace that originate from a divine source.
Historical and Scriptural Precedents: Temples Through the Ages
The concept of a sacred space where heaven and earth meet is not new. It is a theme woven throughout religious history and scripture, providing a rich context for understanding modern temples.
Ancient Temples: The Original Blueprint
From the Garden of Eden, described as a place where God walked with man, to the Tabernacle in the wilderness and Solomon’s magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, ancient structures were understood as the dwelling place of God’s presence (the Shekinah glory). The Holy of Holies in these temples was the ultimate intersection point, where the High Priest could enter once a year to commune with God on behalf of the people. These were not just meetinghouses; they were cosmic centers where the natural and supernatural realms interacted. The detailed instructions given to Moses for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31) were not arbitrary; they were "the pattern" shown from heaven, emphasizing that such an intersection requires a divinely revealed blueprint.
The Restoration of the Ancient Pattern
Latter-day Saints believe that through the Prophet Joseph Smith, this ancient pattern was restored in its fulness. The Kirtland Temple, dedicated in 1836, was the first temple of this dispensation and was attended by visitations of Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah—a literal intersection where heavenly messengers came to restore priesthood keys and authority. This event underscores Elder Bednar’s point: the temple is where heavenly messengers come and go, performing essential work for God’s children on earth. The modern endowment ceremony, with its origins in ancient theologies, is seen as a restoration of the "fulness of the priesthood" and the "keys of the kingdom," making the temple a direct pipeline to ancient, divine authority.
Personal Preparation: How to Draw Near to the Intersection
Understanding the doctrine is one thing; accessing the intersection is another. Elder Bednar consistently stresses that the temple’s power is conditional upon individual worthiness and preparation. The building is consecrated, but we must also consecrate ourselves.
Cultivating Personal Worthiness
Worthiness is not about perfection but about sincere repentance and ongoing effort. It involves:
- Spiritual Cleanliness: Regularly partaking of the sacrament worthily, repenting of serious sins, and seeking forgiveness. This clears the channels for the Holy Ghost to operate.
- Moral Purity: Living the law of chastity and honesty in all dealings. Our lives must align with the sacred covenants we will make or have made.
- Temporal Obedience: Paying a full tithe and offering fast offerings. This demonstrates our trust in God and our willingness to support His work on earth, which in turn unlocks "the windows of heaven" (Malachi 3:10) in our lives.
Practical Steps for a Richer Temple Experience
- Study Before You Go: Prepare by reading the temple recommend interview questions, pondering the covenants, and reviewing relevant scriptures (like Doctrine and Covenants 109, the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer). This frames your experience with purpose.
- Arrive Early and Quiet Your Mind: Use the time in the waiting room to transition from the world to the sacred. Pray for the Spirit to guide you. The temple is a place for focused worship, not rushed ritual.
- Focus on Symbolism and Covenant: Instead of worrying about "doing it right," focus on the symbolic meanings of the gestures and clothing. Each element is a teaching tool designed to point your mind to Christ and your covenants. Ask yourself, "What does this teach me about my relationship with God?"
- Stay After to Ponder: Do not rush out. Sit in the celestial room (or a quiet dressing room) after your session. Meditate, pray, and listen. This is often where the most profound personal revelation occurs, as you remain in the "intersection" after the formal ordinances are completed.
Addressing Common Questions: Clarifying the Intersection
Q: If the temple is where heaven and earth intersect, why can’t everyone go?
A: The intersection is operational and purposeful, not a public spectacle. Just as the Holy of Holies in ancient Jerusalem had strict access protocols, modern temples require specific covenants and preparation. This is not about exclusion but about protecting the sanctity of the sacred work performed there. The covenants made are serious and binding; they require a foundation of faith and repentance to be meaningful and safe. The invitation is universal ("Come, all ye that are weary..." Matthew 11:28), but the preparation to enter the most sacred spaces is individual.
Q: Can I feel this "intersection" in my daily life if I can’t go to the temple often?
A: Absolutely. The power and principles of the temple are meant to permeate your daily life. The covenants you make there are 24/7 contracts. By frequently pondering your covenants, striving to keep them, and remembering the sacred promises made, you bring the "heavenly" perspective into your "earthly" decisions. The temple becomes a spiritual compass you carry with you. Elder Bednar teaches that the ultimate goal is to have the temple’s influence so integrated that we become "living temples" (1 Corinthians 3:16), with the Spirit of God dwelling within us continually.
Q: How does this view of the temple change how we view other sacred spaces, like meetinghouses?
A: It creates a clear and beautiful distinction. A meetinghouse is a chapel for weekly worship, instruction, and community. It is holy. A temple is a house of the Lord, a unique sanctuary for the most sacred ordinances and covenants that affect our eternal destiny and the salvation of the dead. One is for weekly renewal and instruction; the other is for periodic, intensive spiritual work that binds heaven and earth in a unique way. Both are essential, but they serve different, complementary purposes in God’s plan.
Conclusion: Stepping Into the Sacred Nexus
The declaration that the temple is where earth and heaven intersect is more than a poetic metaphor; it is a foundational doctrinal statement about the purpose and power of these sacred houses. Elder Bednar’s teachings illuminate this truth with clarity and depth, inviting us to move beyond seeing temples as merely beautiful landmarks or even as places for important life events. We are encouraged to view them as the very hubs of God’s work of salvation, where the veil is thin, where divine messengers come and go, and where our mortal actions can have eternal consequences through covenants and ordinances.
This understanding should instill in us a reverent awe and a determined preparation. It calls us to examine our worthiness, to deepen our study of temple principles, and to prioritize regular attendance with more thoughtful intent. It transforms the temple from a periodic destination into a central guiding reality for our discipleship. As we strive to live worthily and engage with the temple on this deeper level, we do not just visit a building—we step, however briefly, into the sacred nexus where the eternal plans of God touch the temporal journey of humanity, and where we, as covenant children, can access power and purpose beyond our own. This is the profound and beautiful promise held within every temple, a promise made manifest through the teachings of modern apostles like Elder Bednar.
